Formaldehyde: A colorless, flammable and strong-smelling chemical found in building materials and to produce many household products, and is commonly used as industrial fungicide, germicide, and disinfectant, and as a preservative in mortuaries...and many nail polishes. Prolonged exposure to this known human carcinogen can cause cancer or other seriously detrimental health effects.

Source: Cancer.gov

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): A plasticizer, used as a binder to improve the lasting power of nail polish and prevents it from becoming brittle. The European Union classifies DBP as a potential endocrine disruptor based on evidence that it interferes with hormone function, and toxic to reproduction on the basis that it may cause harm to an unborn child and impair fertility. It has also been linked to liver and kidney failure in numerous lab studies.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Toluene may result in the chemical passing through your skin and into your bloodstream.

Formaldehyde Resin: A derivative of Formaldehyde and preliminary studies show that it can cause severe skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Source: Mercola

Camphor: Traditionally, distilled from the wood and bark of the camphor tree, today it’s synthetically manufactured from turpentine oil. It can cause nausea, dizziness, and headaches when inhaled, especially in large doses, making it a concern for nail technicians. In large quantities, it can cause nausea, dizziness and headaches when inhaled, making it a concern for nail salon workers.

Sources: Mercola, Kester black, Livestrong

Ethyl Tosylamide: A highly viscous, amber liquid used primarily as plasticizer and film former in coatings like nail polish. It also acts as a secondary film former and is a mixture of isomers of toluene bound to ethanesulfonamide. Europe has banned this product due to its antibacterial properties and concern over antibiotic resistance.

Source: cosmeticsinfo.org and myhealthmaven.com

Xylene: A solvent derived from petroleum that keeps your nail polish from getting gloppy. It’s also a known allergen and possible carcinogen, according to research from the International Agency on Research for Cancer Scientific Publications Series. The main effect of inhaling xylene vapor is depression of the central nervous system, with symstoms such headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP): It’s a chemical used in plastics to improve flexibility and as a flame retardant. It’s considered an endocrine disruptor and may affect hormone regulation, metabolism, reproduction, and development. It can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and may cause skin allergy.

Source: NCI | ewg.org | Lab Muffin

We spend extra time to ensure we use safer, effective alternatives that still deliver maximum shine, color and durability. Polish with confidence.

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